Armrest torque control

ABSTRACT

A torque control for providing a desired frictional resistance to a pivotally mounted vehicle accessory, such as an armrest or headrest, which includes a resilient member having an irregular arcuate slot. A resistance element extends in the slot to move along the length thereof as the pivoted component pivots about the pivot axis. The shape of the slot provides a desired predetermined frictional resistance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to torque controls, and in particular toa torque control specially suited for providing a desired frictionalresistance to a pivotally mounted armrest, headrest or other articulatedvehicle accessory.

Many vehicular components, as well as elements in other fields, aremounted for selective controlled pivotal movement. Often it is desirousto frictionally attach the component to provide either a controlledmovement between set positions or an adjustment capacity which permitsthe user to adjustably position the component at specific locations.Previously, frictional forces have generally been provided by arelatively tight frictional engagement between opposing washers or thelike, along the pivot pin, axle, etc. Further, provision of adjustmentcapabilities has often been provided by a mechanical, spring biaseddetent structure. However, all of these arrangements require themanufacture and assembly of a multiple of parts which, in turn, causesan increase in fabrication costs. Also, with extended use these systemstend to loosen and wear, which thereby decreases their effectiveness andmay cause rattling of the joint parts.

In an effort to alleviate the shortcomings of the previous systems,torque controls including resilient plastic tubular members which arestretched or distorted by a rotating cam-like axle have been developed.An example of such a device is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,734,955issued Apr. 5, 1988 to Connor, and entitled HINGE MECHANISM FOR AVEHICLE VISOR. However, these systems require the specific irregularshaping of both connector elements (i.e., the shaft and socket elements)which create additional manufacturing costs. Also, the amount ofresistance which may be offered is limited, due to the small momentsengendered by providing the frictional resistance almost coincident withthe rotational axis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aforementioned problems are overcome in the present invention,wherein frictional pivotal mounting is effected through the use of aspecially configured, resilient torque control which easily andefficiently supports a component for controlled movement.

The torque control of the present invention includes a generally planarmember formed of a resilient lubricious polymeric material whichincludes an arcuate slot radially spaced from the pivot axis of thearticulated component. The resilient member is attached to either thepivoted component or the support structure mounting the component, andreceives through the slot a pin attached to the other of the componentor support. The slot is configured with a width of less dimension thanthe width of the pin to thereby establish a frictional compressiveinterference fit therebetween. Hence, as the pin is passed through theslot during pivotal movement of the component, the slot is distortedand, consequently, frictionally resists the movement with the desiredresistance force.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the slot may be providedwith one or more enlarged portions adapted and sized to receive the pinwithout substantial distortion of the slot. These portions act to indexand releasably hold the component in particular orientations.

By using the torque control of the present invention, an efficient andeconomical control of a pivoted component is achieved. The presenttorque control includes only one specially configured, irregular elementand a minimum of total parts, to substantially decrease themanufacturing and assembling costs. Further, the resistance force isspaced from the pivot axis, to enhance the offsetting of greater forcesthan heretofore possible. Moreover, the torque control has no propensityfor subsequent rattling, and is not susceptible to premature wearing andloosening of the frictional connection.

These and other objects, advantages and features of the presentinvention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reference tothe written specification and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention assembled into anarmrest coupling assembly;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of a torque control plate of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV--IV in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the torque control plate of FIG. 3in an operating position;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI--VI in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of a second embodiment of a torquecontrol plate of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the torque control plate of FIG. 7in an operating position;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX--IX in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of a third embodiment of a torquecontrol plate of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI--XI in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of a support structure for use withthe third embodiment of the torque control plate;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a fourth embodiment of a torquecontrol plate assembled into a vehicular headrest coupling assembly;

FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of the fourth embodiment of thetorque control plate; and

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of the torque control plate of FIG.14 in a rotating position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the preferred embodiment, torque controls 10 are utilized to controlthe pivotal movement of a vehicular component, such as armrest 12 (FIGS.1 and 2), about a pivot pin 13 facilitating coupling to supportstructure 14. Although not required, structure 14 is typically securedto the vehicle 16 along the central portion of a bench-type seat.

Torque control 10 includes a generally planar, resilient member or plate20 received between sides 22 of armrest 12 and upstanding legs 24 ofstructure 14 (although only one torque control is shown in FIG. 2). Morespecifically, plate 20 (FIGS. 1-6) is composed of a resilient polymericmaterial having a good memory, such as polypropylene, but of coursecould be composed of other materials possessing the requisitecharacteristics. Plate 20, in a first embodiment 21, has a generallyrounded triangular shape with three rounded corners 27, 29, 31, twosubstantially linear sides 33, 37 and a third side 35 which has a broadarcuate shape.

In corner 27 is formed a bore 39 adapted to receive therethrough pivotpin 13 coupling armrest 12 to structure 14 (FIGS. 2-6). An annular ridge43 circumscribes bore 39 to enhance the structural integrity or plate 20and enhance the mounting and positioning of plate 20 on supportstructure 14, as will be discussed in more detail below. An arcuate slot45 is provided through plate 20 adjacent to and along the length ofarcuate side 35. Arcuate slot 45 includes a marginal upstanding border47 about its periphery which, like ridge 43, not only acts to increasethe structural integrity and durability of plate 20, but also enhancesits mounting and positioning on support structure 14.

Arcuate slot 45 bends around bore 39 in an irregular arcuate shape(FIGS. 3 and 5). More particularly, slot 45 includes a pair of enlargedend portions 49, 51 which are radially spaced an equal distance frombore 39. The outer halves 52, 54 of end portions 49, 51 are preferablysemicircular in shape and have a diameter which substantially equals thewidth of a resistance element 56 projecting therethrough.Interconnecting end portions 49, 51 is an arcuate segment 53 whichgradually narrows and flattens the slot 45 at its center 58. Theconfiguration of segment 53 is defined by providing an outer arcuateedge 55 with a broad concave shape and an inner arcuate edge 57 with asharper concave shape. Hence, the radius of curvature of the outer edge55 is greater than the combined sums of the radius of curvature of theinner edge 57 and the width of the slot 45.

As an illustration only, first embodiment 21 may be shaped such that:the semicircular halves 52, 54 have a radius of 4.5 mm; the inner edge57 has a radius of curvature of 15.64 mm; the outer edge 55 has a radiusof curvature of 58.50 mm; and axes 59, 61 of end portions 49, 51 areradially spaced from axis 63 of bore 39 a distance of approximately of20.14 mm. Nevertheless, many other changes and modifications to thisstructural arrangement may be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention.

To effect mounting and positioning of plate 20, legs 24 of structure 14each include near their distal end 64 a circular hole 65 and an arcuateslot 67 (FIGS. 1 and 2). More specifically, ridge 43 is matinglyreceived within hole 65 and border 47 is received within slot 67. Thelongitudinal length of slot 67 substantially equals the length definedby border 47 to thereby preclude any swinging motion of plate 20 aboutthe pivot axis 63. However, to facilitate the expansion of slot 45during operation thereof, slot 67 is of a uniform width slightly largerthan the width of slot 45, and therefore does not possess acorresponding narrowing central portion.

In an alternate embodiment 21a (FIGS. 7-9), plate 20a possesses adifferently configured arcuate slot 45a. More specifically, slot 45astill includes enlarged end portions 49a, 51a and a central arcuatesegment 53a. However, in contrast to first embodiment 21, inner edge 57ahas a greater radius of curvature than the radius of curvature of outeredge 55a. While this arrangement tends to gradually narrow the slot 45atoward ends 49a, 51a relative to its center 58a, the width of slot 45ais still smaller along the entire length of segment 53a than the widthof guide element 56a movably received therethrough. To facilitate therequisite expansion and distortion of slot 45a as resistance element 56apasses through, plate 20a includes a deformation opening 66a.Deformation opening 66a lies directly adjacent the outside of marginalborder 47a and allows the inner edge 57a to flex toward bore 39a duringthe passage of resistance element 56a.

In a third embodiment 21b (FIGS. 10-11), resilient plate 20b is formedto define a generally rectangular shape, such that two corners 69b, 71bare spaced to each side of bore 39b. An outwardly projecting knob 73b isprovided in each corner 69b, 71b to more effectively preclude theswinging of plate 20b about pivot axis 63. Without the provision ofknobs 73b, the torque control 10 may be subject to a small amount oflost motion, due to a slight swinging of plate 20 caused by a resilientdeformation of border 47 upon movement of the pivotally mountedcomponent 12. Otherwise, the slot 45b and bore 39b are substantially thesame as described for first embodiment 21.

To accommodate plate 20b of the third embodiment 21b, an alternativeembodiment of the support structure 14b is utilized (FIG. 12). Morespecifically, structure 14b includes a pair of opposite upstanding legs24b which receives therebetween armrest 12. At the free end 64b of eachleg 24b is preferably provided a primary hole 65b through which pivotpin 13 is received, two secondary holes 74b matingly receiving knobs 73bfor preventing the plate from swinging, and a recess 76b having aconvoluted edge 78b adapted to matingly receive the marginal border 47balong the inner edge 57b of slot 45b.

In any of the embodiments 21, 21a, 21b, the ridge 43 and border 47, whentrapped between the armrest 12 and leg 24, will securely hold plate 20from any unwanted swinging movement which may tend to diminish theeffectiveness of the torque control 10. However, if desired, additionalfastening means (not shown) such as screws, adhesive, etc. may beemployed to secure plate 20. With the use of separate fasteners, ridge43 and border 47 could be eliminated, although such omission woulddetrimentally affect the strength and durability of plate 20 and theease of positioning and assembling it in its proper position.

Torque control 10 further includes a base section 81, fixedly mounted tosides 22 of armrest 12, to cooperate with plate 20 in providing thedesired frictional resistance (FIG. 2). Base section 81 may be fixedlyattached to sides 22 in any known manner, such as through the use ofbolts, adhesive, etc. (not shown). More specifically, base section 81includes pivot pin 13, preferably in the form of a projecting annularring Pivot pin 13 is sized and assembled for mating receipt within bore39 and ridge 43. Also, adjacent to pin element 13 and extendinglaterally therefrom along base section 81 is an upraised boss 83 havinga centrally located threaded bore 85, which is adapted to receive andthreadedly secure therein the resistance element 56. Of course, theresistance element 56 may be secured to base section 81 by any knownmeans. Alternatively, the resistance element 56 and pivot pin 13 may besecured directly to the sides 22 of armrest 12 by any known means or mayeven be formed directly with the sides 22, such as by a molding process.

In operation, torque control 10 is assembled such that leg 24, plate 20,base section 81 and armrest 12 are juxtaposed into close contiguousrelationships with one another. More particularly, plate 20 is mountedwithin leg 24 such that ridge 43 and border 47 are received within hole65 and slot 67, respectively. As discussed above, hole 65 and slot 67are dimensioned to preclude any significant lateral or rotative shiftingof plate 20. Base section 81, fixedly connected to armrest 12, isoriented adjacent plate 20, such that pivot pin 13 is matingly receivedwithin bore 39 to lie concentrically within ridge 43 and therebyfacilitate the pivotal connection of armrest 12 to support structure 14.Also, resistance element 56 is passed through slot 67 and slot 45 tocreate the distortion of slot 45 upon movement of armrest 12 to causethe desired frictional resistance.

When armrest 12 is positioned horizontally, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,resistance pin 56 is passed through and retained within end portion 49.As armrest 12 is swung upwardly about axis 63, resistance pin 56 isswung arcuately along a uniform swing to pass through slot 45. Suchmovement engenders a frictional resistance as slot 45 distorts andexpands to allow passage of element 56. More particularly, the slot 45resists the movement of element 56 therethrough because of the narrowerwidth and non-uniform shape thereof. This distortion and expansioncauses a controlled frictional resistance force which enhances thequality of the armrest adjustment capacity. The resistance forcegenerated by torque control 10 would preferably be on the order of3.5-6.5 foot pounds; although other amounts of force could be used. Whenarmrest 12 reaches its final upraised position, which would typicallyalign it with the back of the seats (not shown), resistance pin 56 isreceived within enlarged end portion 51. Resistance pin 56 generallysnaps the armrest into its final desired position as the more narrowcentral portion 53 urges resistance pin 56 to exit into one of theenlarged portions 49, 51.

In another embodiment 21c (FIGS. 13-15), the slot 45c is configured toindex and releasably hold a component, such as a vehicular headrest 87(FIG. 13), in a number of predetermined set positions. Morespecifically, slot 45c includes a plurality of intermediate enlargedportions 89c in addition to the end portions 49c, 51c. These enlargedportions 89c are similar to end portions 49c, 51c and generally receiveguide element 56 without any significant distortion. Preferably, theindexing configuration is defined by a scalloped outer edge 55c havingrecesses 91c forming the intermediate enlarged portions 89c and nodes orpeaks 93c creating the desired frictional resistance due to the narrowerwidth at those points as compared to resistance element 56c.

The operation and assembly of plate 20c is similar to the firstembodiment plate 20 except that as headrest 87 is rotated upwardly,resistance pin 56 will be indexed from end portion 49 into the firstintermediate enlarged portion 89c in a snapping action as it passes overthe first node or peak 93c. This action can be continued until guideelement 56 reaches end portion 51 for its final opposite position.Enlarged portions 49c, 51c, 89c and nodes 93c act to releasably buteffectively hold the pivoted component 87 in a variety of differentpositions. For example, this enables a headrest to be positionedintermediately between the two extreme positions (FIG. 13) and stillsupport the weight and forces of an occupant's head.

Of course, it is understood that the above descriptions are those ofpreferred embodiments of the invention. Various other embodiments, aswell as many changes and alterations, may be made without departing fromthe spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in theclaims.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A torque control for usein conjunction with a component pivotally mounted to a support structurefor pivotal movement about a pivot pin, said torque control comprising:acylindrical resistance element adapted to be fixedly mounted to one of acomponent or structure in spaced relationship to the pivot pin, saidresistance element having a predetermined diameter; and a membercomposed of a resilient polymeric material for attachment to the otherof the component or structure, said member having an arcuate slot spacedfrom the pivot pin and receiving therein said resistance element formovement longitudinally therethrough as the component pivots about thepivot pin; said slot having a width dimension relatively smaller thansaid diameter of said resistance element, whereby a desired frictionalresistance is obtained as the component is pivotally moved, and whereinthe width of said slot varies continuously along substantially theentire arcuate length through which said resistance element travels toprovide a variable frictional resistance.
 2. The torque control of claim1 in which said slot includes at least one enlarged portion having awidth substantially equal to said dimension of said resistance elementto thereby index and releasably hold the component in a particularorientation when said resistance element is received within saidenlarged portion.
 3. The torque control of claim 1 in which said slotincludes a pair of enlarged end portions each having a widthsubstantially equal to said dimension of said resistance element tothereby index and releasably hold said component in a particularorientation when said resistance element is received within one of saidenlarged end portions.
 4. The torque control of claim 3 in which saidslot includes an inner edge and an outer edge, wherein said outer edgeat any one point thereon has a radius of curvature larger than thecombined sums of the greatest width of said slot and the radius ofcurvature at any one point on said inner edge to provide the varyingwidth along substantially the entire arcuate length thereof.
 5. Thetorque control of claim 1 in which said slot includes a plurality ofspaced apart enlarged portions along its arcuate length with eachenlarged portion having a width substantially equal to said dimension ofsaid resistance element to thereby index and releasably hold thecomponent in a particular orientation when said resistance element isreceived within one of said enlarged portions.
 6. The torque control ofclaim 1 in which said slot includes an inner edge and an outer edge,wherein said inner edge has a radius of curvature larger than the radiusof curvature of said outer edge to define the variable width of saidslot, and wherein said resilient member further includes an openingadjacent said inner edge of said slot to permit said inner edge to flexwhen said resistance element is passed therethrough.
 7. The torquecontrol of claim 1 in which said resilient member further includes atleast one knob which projects through an opening in the supportstructure to preclude said resilient member from experiencing anysignificant swinging motion when the component is moved.
 8. A torquecontrol for use in conjunction with a component pivotally mounted to asupport structure for pivotal movement about a pivot pin, said torquecontrol comprising:a resistance element adapted to be fixedly mounted toone of a component or structure in spaced relationship to the pivot pin,said resistance element having a predetermined width; and a membercomposed of a resilient polymeric material for attachment to the otherof the component or structure, said member having an arcuate slot spacedfrom the pivot pin and receiving therein said resistance element formovement longitudinally therethrough as the component pivots about thepivot pin; said slot having a width dimension relatively smaller thansaid width of said resistance element, whereby a desired frictionalresistance is obtained as the component is pivotally moved; wherein saidslot includes a plurality of spaced apart enlarged portions each havinga width substantially equal to said dimension of said resistance elementto thereby index and releasably hold the component in a particularorientation when said resistance element is received within one of saidenlarged portions; and wherein said slot includes an inner edge and anouter edge, wherein said outer edge has a generally scallopedconfiguration to define said enlarged portions.
 9. A torque control foruse in conjunction with a component pivotally mounted to a supportstructure for pivotal movement about a pivot pin, said torque controlcomprising:a resistance element adapted to be fixedly mounted to one ofa component or structure in spaced relationship to the pivot pin, saidresistance element having a predetermined width; and a member composedof a resilient polymeric material for attachment to the other of thecomponent or structure, said member having an arcuate slot spaced fromthe pivot pin and receiving therein said resistance element for movementlongitudinally therethrough as the component pivots about the pivot pin;said slot having a width dimension relatively smaller than said width ofsaid resistance element, whereby a desired frictional resistance isobtained as the component is pivotally moved, said width of said slotcontinuously varying along substantially the entire length through whichsaid resistance element travels to provide a variable frictionalresistance, and further including a base section fixedly attached tosaid one of said component or support structure, said base sectionincluding the pivot pin extending therefrom to be received within acorresponding hole in the other of said component or support structure,and means for fixedly mounting said resistance element.
 10. The torquecontrol of claim 9 in which said member is in a juxtaposed, contiguousrelationship with said base section and wherein said member furtherincludes a bore sized to matingly receive the pivot pin therethrough.11. A torque control for use in conjunction with a component pivotallymounted to a support structure for pivotal movement about a pivot pin,said torque control comprising:a resistance element adapted to befixedly mounted to one of a component or structure in spacedrelationship to the pivot pin, said resistance element having apredetermined width; and a member composed of a resilient polymericmaterial for attachment to the other of the component or structure, saidmember having an arcuate slot spaced from the pivot pin and receivingtherein said resistance element for movement longitudinally therethroughas the component pivots about the pivot pin; said slot having a widthdimension relatively smaller than said width of said resistance element,whereby a desired frictional resistance is obtained as the component ispivotally moved, and further including a base section fixedly attachedto said one of said component or support structure, said base sectionincluding the pivot pin extending therefrom to be received within acorresponding hole in the other of said component or support structure,and means for fixedly mounting said resistance element; said memberbeing in a justaposed, contiguous relationship with said base sectionand wherein said member further includes a bore sized to matinglyreceive the pivot pin therethrough; said member further having agenerally planar configuration and including an annular ridge about saidbore which is matingly received within said hole in the other of saidcomponent or support structure and matingly receives said pivot pin; andan upstanding border about the periphery of said slot which is receivedthrough a corresponding opening in the other of said component orsupport structure.
 12. The torque control of claim 9 in which saidresistance element includes a threaded end and said means for fixedlymounting said resistance element includes a threaded bore in said basesection.
 13. A torque control for use in providing a desired frictionalresistance to a component pivotally mounted to a support structure, saidtorque control comprising a generally planar member adapted forattaching to one of a component or support structure, said member beingcomposed of a resilient material and having a bore for receivingtherethrough a pivot pin pivotally mounting the component to the supportstructure, and an arcuate slot spaced from said bore for receivingtherethrough an element attached to the other of the component orsupport structure, said slot defining sidewalls spaced to create adesired resistance force against movement of the element along saidslot, and further including an annular ridge surrounding said bore andan upstanding border about the periphery of said slot, each beingreceived within a corresponding opening in said one of the component orsupport structure to thereby strengthen said planar member and precludesaid member from rotating relative to said one of the component orsupport structure to which it is attached.
 14. A torque control for usein providing a desired frictional resistance to a component pivotallymounted to a support structure, said torque control comprising agenerally planar member attached to one of a component or supportstructure, said member being composed of a resilient material and havinga bore for receiving therethrough a pivot pin pivotally mounting thecomponent to the support structure and an arcuate slot spaced from saidbore for receiving therethrough an element attached to the other of thecomponent or support structure, said slot including an inner edge andouter edge, said outer edge having a generally scalloped configurationto define enlarged portions which substantially matingly receive theelement therein to index and releasably hold the component in aparticular orientation when the element is received within one of saidenlarged portions.
 15. The torque control of claim 14 further includingan annular ridge surrounding said bore and an upstanding border aboutthe periphery of said slot, each being received within a correspondingopening in said one of the component or support structure to therebystrengthen said planar member and preclude said member from rotatingrelative to said one of the component or support structure to which itis attached.
 16. The torque control of claim 14 in which said planarmember is composed of polypropylene.
 17. A pivoting assembly having apredetermined frictional resistance to pivoting motion comprising:asupport structure; a component pivotally movable with respect to saidsupport structure; a base section fixedly secured to one of saidcomponent or support structure, said base section including a pivot pinelement and a resistance element having a predetermined width bothprojecting therefrom in a substantially parallel relationship; and aresilient member attached to the other of said component or supportstructure, said resilient member having an annular hub matingly receivedwithin a hole in said other of said component or support structure andmatingly receiving said pivot pin element, and an arcuate slot receivingtherethrough said resistance element for movement along the length ofsaid slot as said component is pivotally moved, said slot further havinga width dimension which is generally narrower than said width of saidresistance element to thereby create the desired frictional resistanceas said component is pivotally moved.
 18. The pivoting assembly of claim17 in which said slot of said resilient member includes a number ofspaced apart enlarged portions each having a width substantially equalto the width of said resistance element to thereby index and releasablyhold said component in a particular orientation when said resistanceelement is received within one of said enlarged portions.
 19. Thepivoting assembly of claim 18 in which said enlarged end portions ofsaid slot are located at the ends of said slot to thereby index andreleasably hold said component into opposite extreme positions when saidguide element is received alternatively within said enlarged endportions.
 20. The pivoting assembly of claim 19 in which said slotincludes an inner edge and an outer edge, wherein said outer edge has aradius of curvature larger than the combined sums of the radius ofcurvature of said inner edge and the width of said slot, so that theslot has a varying width along the length thereof.
 21. The pivotingassembly of claim 18 in which said slot includes an inner edge and anouter edge, wherein said outer edge has a generally scallopedconfiguration to define said enlarged portions.
 22. The torque controlof claim 10 in which said member has a generally planar configurationand further includes:an annular ridge about said bore which is matinglyreceived within said hole in the other of said component or supportstructure and matingly receives said pivot pin; and an upstanding borderabout the periphery of said slot which is received through acorresponding opening in the other of said component or supportstructure.